Everyday we are out meeting people, but how many of us really know the etiquette of networking? Is networking different than meeting people? It  must be because when I attend a networking event, all social manners seem to disappear from the people who try to meet me. Tell me if you can relate to this, you are at a networking event and someone comes up to you and instead of extending their hand and introducing themselves, they avert their eyes to your chest and attempt to read your name tag. Because I have a tricky name, they always mispronounce my name and my company name.

Since when did it become acceptable to skip the introduction?Networking Etiquette

There are lots of blogs about having an introduction speech and bringing business cards and doing your homework about the people you are hoping to meet. I’m talking about the etiquette of networking; how to introduce yourself, where to place your name tag, RSVPing and saying thank you.

Introduce Yourself

At a networking event, or anytime you meet someone new, introduce yourself. Extend your right hand, look them into the eyes, smile and say “Hi, my name is….” If the receiver is courteous, they will respond with the same gesture and the response of “It’s nice to meet you (name), my name is…

Name Tag

Wear your name tag on your right lapel, not on a lanyard that falls at your belly. When your name tag is located on your right lapel, the receiver can read your name and hear the correct pronunciation at the same time allowing them to further commit it to memory. They can also use the name tag as a refresher later in the conversation.

Don’t rush.

Take your time when you meet someone new to ask qualifying questions that help you get to know them better. Will they be a friend, a potential customer or someone in your network? Not everyone you meet is a potential customer, so taking the time at the introduction will help you decide how to categorize them into your database. Knowing who your target market is will help you with categorizing. Consider this to be a time of discovery. Ask yourself, how can I help this person?

Talk with people you already know.

I know several people who feel like they aren’t productive at a networking event unless they meet a certain number of new people. I suggest spending time with people you already know and add new people to the conversation as they walk by. This allows you to brag about the person you already know. It puts everyone at ease because you aren’t standing with a group of strangers wondering what to say first. Make introductions all around the group every time someone new enters the circle.

Take the time to remember names.

This isn’t fool-proof so I have a back up plan. My friends and I have a signal that we use in case we run into someone familiar at another event.  If this has happened to you, I apologize. If we meet someone at the mall, or anywhere around town, if I don’t immediately make the introduction, my friends know that I’ve forgotten their name. They will extend their hand and tell them their own name. The courteous will reply their name back and now nobody has to feel awkward.

Keep your business cards in your pocket and only offer it if someone asks for it.

The only proper time to exchange business cards is if there is a mutually beneficial reason to. When I hand you my business card, I am not signing up for your newsletter. While most people see a networking event as a place to hand out and receive 50 business cards, it isn’t. It’s a great place to connect with people, build your social network and create brand recognition for your business. This is a place to create trust and credibility. This is a place to refer other businesses, not to close sales or make deals. Those who are the best at networking are there to create relationships. They gain admirers and strong connections of people who will take their phone calls and answer their emails. Their friendliness extends to everyone.

Always let the hosts know whether or not you are coming.

It is rude to not to announce your plans in advance. If you truly don’t know if you will be able to attend or not, let the host know and make a commitment you can stick to. Catering is almost always paid for in advance, so your attendance is counted on in someone else’s wallet.

Say Thank You

Afterwards, thank the hosts for the gathering. Say nice things about the event, whether or not you found it difficult or easy to meet people. If they ran out of food, it’s probably because not enough people responded. If it was difficult to join conversations, consider whether or not your own motives were only to pass out cards or to really connect with people.

Follow Up

If you exchanged business cards with anyone, follow up immediately. Don’t wait for the other person to do it. They may not have read my blog.